FLNG Hilli redeployment to Argentina
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Aug 14, 2025
Golar finalized a 20-year charter for the Hilli with SESA, valued at $285 million per year—a total of $5.7 billion. Operations in Argentina’s San Matías Gulf are scheduled to begin in Q2 2027.
Deal Analysis
Golar LNG's finalized 20-year charter of the FLNG Hilli to Southern Energy S.A. (SESA) for deployment in Argentina's San Matías Gulf represents a significant infrastructure development in the region. Valued at $5.7 billion, the charter agreement underscores the growing demand for flexible LNG solutions and highlights Argentina's efforts to bolster its energy infrastructure. The redeployment, scheduled for Q2 2027, will see the Hilli, with a capacity of 5.95 MW, contribute to Argentina's energy supply. SESA's partners in this venture include Harbour Energy, Pampa Energía, Pan American Energy, and YPF, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing Argentina's energy needs.
The deal is notable for its substantial value, the long-term commitment, and the involvement of key players in the energy sector. Golar LNG's expertise in FLNG technology, combined with the participation of established Argentinian energy companies like YPF, positions this project for success. The involvement of Golar Power, previously a joint venture between Golar LNG and Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, further emphasizes the project's focus on integrated LNG-to-power solutions. This charter agreement signifies a strategic move to capitalize on the increasing demand for LNG in South America and provides a stable revenue stream for Golar LNG over the next two decades.
- 20-year charter agreement valued at $5.7 billion.
- FLNG Hilli redeployment to Argentina's San Matías Gulf.
- Involves key energy players such as Golar LNG, YPF, and Harbour Energy.
- Scheduled operations to begin in Q2 2027.
Market Context: The deal occurs within the utilities sector, specifically focusing on LNG infrastructure. Argentina is actively seeking to enhance its energy security and reduce reliance on imports, making this project strategically important for the country's energy landscape.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The deal includes a commodity-linked upside of approximately $30 million per year for every $1/MMBtu above a reference FOB price of $8. The Hilli will complete its current contract in July 2026, then undergo upgrades, winterization, and life extension works at a yard to be selected in Q3 2025. SESA reached Final Investment Decision for Golar’s 3.5 MTPA MKII FLNG, now under $2.2 billion conversion in China. The 20-year charter, also worth $400 million per year (total $8 billion), carries a commodity-linked upside of about $40 million per year per $1/MMBtu above $8 FOB.
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Deal Size
Golar LNG Limited cemented its position as one of the most active players in the floating LNG (FLNG) market, announcing Q2 2025 results alongside major long-term contracts that add $13.7 billion to its Adjusted EBITDA backlog.
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Capacity
The MKII will join the Hilli in the San Matías Gulf in 2028, with both units providing a combined 5.95 MTPA of nameplate capacity and benefiting from shared infrastructure and operational synergies.
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Location
Operations in Argentina’s San Matías Gulf are scheduled to begin in Q2 2027.
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Announcement
Aug.14 (OE) Golar LNG Limited cemented its position as one of the most active players in the floating LNG (FLNG) market, announcing Q2 2025 results alongside major long-term contracts that add $13.7 billion to its Adjusted EBITDA backlog.
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
G
Golar LNG Limited
seller
"Golar LNG Limited cemented its position as one of the most active players in the floating LNG (FLNG) market, announcing Q2 2025 results alongside major long-term contracts that add $13.7 billion to its Adjusted EBITDA backlog."
S
Southern Energy S.A. (SESA)
buyer
"The new deals—both with Argentina’s Southern Energy S.A. (SESA)—cover redeployment of the FLNG Hilli and the company’s under-conversion MKII FLNG, securing 40 years of combined charter commitments."
B
BP
buyer
"In June, the FLNG Gimi—70% owned by Golar—began its 20-year lease to BP under a Lease and Operate Agreement."
high quality
Enriched Feb 19, 2026
Market Context
This deal is part of the Utilities sector in Argentina.
1 of 65 Utilities deals tracked this month · Updated daily